Who is Athena Likis? Meet ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars’ inspired by a goddess
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: 'RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars' contestant Athena Likis is a Belgian drag performer who gained recognition on Season 1 of 'Drag Race Belgique,' where she reached the finals but did not win. As the first season’s finalist, Athena made history by becoming the first drag performer to win both the Talent Show and the Makeover Challenge.
Athena was also scheduled to be an opening act for Werq the World in Antwerp, alongside Drag Couenne and Susan. Unfortunately, she was replaced by Mademoiselle Boop after leaving the act in 2023. She is also an activist, known as a 'non-binary drag goddess.' Athena advocates for self-love, representation, and the acceptance of both femininity and masculinity.
Athena was honored with Belgian postage stamps featuring her face. Reflecting on this milestone, the drag performer shared in an Instagram post, "In Belgium, during an uncertain era, Drag Queens were the symbol of the nation and its inhabitants." She added, "Representing queerness and adelphity, they were the faces of the postage stamps. Athena Sorgelikis now Athena Likis was one of them📮♥️."
How did 'RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars' contestant Athena Likis get her drag name?
'RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars' contestant Athena Likis was born Arnaud Tsiakas. From a young age, she has been passionate about mythology and chose her stage name inspired by the Greek goddess. Athena sought an authentic life, particularly in the wake of her parents' drama.
Athena's relationship with her parents was notably strained and was forced to live on her own after she came out to them. She initially used her last name 'Sorgelikis' but later shortened it to 'Likis.'
'RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars' contestant Athena Likis reflects on her 'chosen' family
'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Athena Likis found a new drag family after her blood relatives cut ties with her. She is now the drag daughter of fellow contestant Edna Sorgelsen, the drag niece of Mademoiselle Boop, and the drag cousin of Loulou Velvet.
However, Athena has dedicated a stunning performance to her 'chosen' family alongside Lara Bellerose and noted in the caption, "What an emotional ride for me talking about my blood family but it was worth it." She further noted, "And remember that you’re not alone. A chosen family is one of a kind and I hope you all find one you deserve."
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Catch 'RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars' Season 1 premiere with two special episodes on Friday, August 16 on Paramount+.